Rules of Conduct
The following statement was made by the Rochdale Society in its annual almanac of the rules of conduct in 1860.

"The present Co-operative Movement does not intend to meddle with the various religious or political differences which now exist in society, but by a common bond, namely that of self-interest, to join together the means, energies and the talents of all for the common benefit of each.

1. That capital should be of their own providing and bear a fixed rate of interest.
2. That only the purest provisions procurable should be supplied to members.
3. That full weight and measure should be given.
4. That market prices should be charged and no credit given nor asked.
5. That profits should be divided 'pro rata' upon the amount of purchases made by each member.
6. That the principles of 'one member, one vote' should obtain in government and the equality of the sexes in membership.
7. That the management should be in the hands of officers and committee, elected periodically.
8. That a definite percentage of profits should be allotted to education.
9. That frequent statements and balance sheets should be presented to members."